The Valley of Democracy

Michigan Avenue, Chicago, from the steps of the Art Institute.
THE VALLEY OF DEMOCRACY
BY MEREDITH NICHOLSON
WITH ILLUSTRATIONS BY WALTER TITTLE
NEW YORK CHARLES SCRIBNER’S SONS 1919
Copyright, 1917, 1918, by Charles Scribner’s Sons Published September, 1918 Reprinted November, December 1918
TO MY CHILDREN ELIZABETH, MEREDITH, AND LIONEL IN TOKEN OF MY AFFECTION AND WITH THE HOPE THAT THEY MAY BE FAITHFUL TO THE HIGHEST IDEALS OF AMERICAN CITIZENSHIP
In the reprintings of a book of this character it would be possible to revise and rewrite in such manner as to conceal the errors or misjudgments of the author. It seems, however, more honest to permit these impressions to stand practically as they were written, with only a few minor corrections. It was my aim to make note of conditions, tendencies, and needs in the Valley of Democracy, and the conclusion of the war has affected my point of view with reference to these matters very little.
The first months of the present year have been so crowded with incidents affecting the whole world that we recall with difficulty the events of only a few years ago. We have met repeated crises with an inspiring exhibition of unity and courage that should hearten us for the new tasks of readjustment that press for attention, and for the problems of self-government that are without end. I shall feel that these pages possess some degree of vitality if they quicken in the mind and heart of the reader a hope and confidence that we of America do not walk blindly, but follow a star that sheds upon us a perpetual light.
M. N.
Indianapolis, June 1, 1919.
THE VALLEY OF DEMOCRACY